FATHER HELD 8-Y-O SON HOSTAGE AT KNIFE POINT SHOT DEAD BY COPS

Police in St James yesterday shot and killed a man who was trying to stab his 8-year-old son to death.

According to the police, about 12:30 a.m., they went to a house in Comfort to question the man in relation to certain disturbing allegations.

Upon seeing the lawmen entering the yard, the man reportedly locked himself inside the house and threatened to kill himself and his 8-year-old son if the police did not leave the premises.

The man is said to have turned on two cooking gas cylinders in the house and threatened to set the place ablaze. The fire department was called in to assist in gaining entry to the house to rescue the boy.

The firemen also drenched the house with water to make it difficult for it to catch fire.

However, after a near six-hour stand-off, the lawmen sought the assistance of his wife. The man reportedly declared that he would kill the child.

He then began to stab the small boy with a knife.

The police responded by opening, fire hitting him. He was hit and taken to hospital, where he died.

The boy has been admitted in serious condition.

Following a search of the house, the police retrieved a police ballistic vest, handcuff keys, and dozens of injection needles.

Residents of the usually quiet community were shocked when they heard what transpired.

"The man just come live inna the community and wi never know seh a this kind a person a wi neighbour," one community member said.

"Mi know him very good, and him go a the apostolic church, " another community member, who gave his name as Courtney Ellis told our News Team.

"This used to be a good community, wi never have nothing like this a happen yah," Ellis said.